Cast-in-Place Concrete Counters

Concrete counters can be cast in place or fabricated in a shop. Shop methods place a premium on carpentry skill, while casting counters in place requires better concrete-finishing skills. Cast-in-place counters are poured right side up, so the shape and texture are heavily influenced by the finisher. First, a continuous plywood top is installed on the cabinets; edges, penetrations, and overhangs are temporarily formed. Reinforcing is then installed, and the concrete is placed. As soon as the concrete starts to set, the edges are stripped and the visible parts of the counter are hand-finished with the same tools and techniques used for other kinds of concrete flatwork.